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Quinn the Padoru Jul 6, 2016 @ 1:49pm

Sub or Dub?

The age-old question among anime fans, I know. This forum just didn't feel complete without it though.

Personally, I go with the Dubbed version of an anime whenever possible. (I feel comfortable saying this mostly in that this is supposed to be a very respectful forum; hear me out.)

It's not that I feel that English voice actors are somehow superior to the Japanese ones; I think it's a very logical conclusion to say that there are good and bad examples of voice acting in either Japan or its English localizations. What makes the difference to me, however, is how much I can speak either language.

I finished about a year's worth of Japanese in college, so I have a basic grasp on the mechanics of the language and key phrases and sentence structures. However, I much more fluently speak English (obviously)... what does this mean? Well, first acknowledge what it's like watching a show subtitled.

At least to me, the actual footage is in the background of my line of sight because my focus is on the spelled-out dialogue. When reading subtitles, I focus and try to take in what's being said while hearing it in another language. This would be fair enough, except consider when characters are speaking quickly. Or there is more than one character speaking. Or an action sequence starts while I was still focusing on the dialogue. In any instance, I'd be inclined to rewind because I'd feel I'd missed something. Plus, you would miss more detail in the artwork as well - or, at least I do. I am also prone to multitasking. As you might think, watching subtitled versions require you eyes constantly on the screen, so I can only multitask when watching a dubbed anime (at least so I can still follow the story).

Not to mention it makes sharing a lot easier. You think I have issues with subtitles? My father literally cannot keep up. He is at a reading level where he would have to constantly pause and play whatever anime I try to show him if it isn't dubbed (which is a shame because I think he'd really enjoy the 2011 Hunter x Hunter). [Future Edit: Actually, it does have a dub and I did show him. I think my streaming service I was using to watch it only had subs though, so I made assumptions.] Hence, I can only bring dubbed anime to my family because they're a lot worse with it.

My two cents... Just, I guess, became a little ranty.

Last edited by Quinn the Padoru; Mar 24, 2020 @ 8:04pm

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Showing 1-15 of 29 comments

Aeperus

Jul 7, 2016 @ 9:05pm

Thank you so much posting this discussion about Anime either being subbed or dubbed. You have a really good reason for watching Anime that is dubbed. You make a very good point about the viewers speed with reading the subbed titles. Some people out there like to watch Anime and have no problem reading the subtitles and seeing the visual at the same time but then again there are some people out there that just can't do that.

I prefer subtitled Anime because it is released first then the dubbed Anime. let us say that you really like the show Noragami and it was aired a long time ago and the dubbed was out as well. You watched the dubbed version and finished the Anime within a three days. Later on that same week, they announced that Noragami second season was coming out in two weeks. You are really excited but it will be release in subtitles first and then after that, it will be released in the dubbed version. But honestly, I couldn't wait for any longer you also got used to the dubbed voice actors for that show so when you try to convert to the subbed version then it wouldn't feel right because this happened to me when I watched the show "Fairy Tail". It felt weird listening to the subbed version instead of the dubbed version.

Thank you for posting this discussion once again and you made a really good point. I hope you enjoy your stay with us.

KOS-MOS

Jul 8, 2016 @ 3:37am

Watch this = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-4NuYxxgjI
It's pretty much how i feel about the whole Sub vs Dub shenanigans :3

Quinn the Padoru Jul 8, 2016 @ 2:26pm

Originally posted by Yuigahama:
You watched the dubbed version and finished the Anime within a three days. Later on that same week, they announced that Noragami second season was coming out in two weeks. You are really excited but it will be release in subtitles first and then after that, it will be released in the dubbed version. But honestly, I couldn't wait for any longer you also got used to the dubbed voice actors for that show so when you try to convert to the subbed version then it wouldn't feel right because this happened to me when I watched the show "Fairy Tail". It felt weird listening to the subbed version instead of the dubbed version. [/quote]

No problem! And, regarding this scenario, I suppose this is a problem other people have that I just don't. Like, I watched the first season of Black Butler dubbed. Season two came out, and I watched it subbed, then again dubbed. Season three I then watched subbed, and I plan to watch it dubbed too (with its OVA, Book of Murder). This is the first example that comes to mind, but I'm sure I've done it with others too... I can easily switch between subbed and dubbed episodes and get over any feeling of it being jarring within like 5mins of the episode. XD It's just a matter of availability for me, personally.

Originally posted by KOS-MOS:
Watch this

It's pretty much how i feel about the whole Sub vs Dub shenanigans :3 :cinnamon::nekoheart:

Yes, I realize this is a nonesense debate, lol. I just thought that it would be an enjoyable discussion, not a fight.

You see, a lot of times when I see this topic brought up, there's some Japanese-only purist who feels that only the Japanese track captures the true essence of the anime and that all english voice acting is horrible. Vice versa, people really into dubs that practically worship the voice actors (not gonna lie, Funimation has really good people and I'm a fan) and steer clear from any talk of the Japanese track, mostly because of the first group of people in this fight. Both parties are pretty guilty.

However, looking over the short discussion threads and the very clear rules about being respectful and elaborating on your opinions, I felt that here was a good place to get some opinions out there because I can get answers other than "english voices suck!" and "because this voice actor is bae!"

I realize this is a discussion that doesn't really need to take place as we all have our preferences and options available, but I thought that it would be fun here all the same.

Last edited by Quinn the Padoru; Jul 8, 2016 @ 4:40pm

Quinn the Padoru Jul 8, 2016 @ 2:28pm

Btw, I looked at the coding for this last post of mine, and I have no idea how to fix this quotation problem. It all looks fine. My apologies.

KOS-MOS

Jul 8, 2016 @ 5:58pm

i don't see a prob it's fine :3 as for sub and dub, doesnt matter to me much i can appreciate both on anime and anime/jrpgs games :)

family Jul 17, 2016 @ 4:45pm

Originally posted by Bytrixtan:
Btw, I looked at the coding for this last post of mine, and I have no idea how to fix this quotation problem. It all looks fine. My apologies.

Sub is good, and the reason why is because they made the voice acting over in Japan and honsetly, the original of an anime has always the most genuine voice acting, there is emotion and sincerity behind a voice. Although, its not 100% perfect, like Dragonballz for example, go watch Sub vs Dub Goku, Im pretty sure no one watched the sub. xD
Dub is an alternative for people who dont want read subtitles or dont speak japanese and simply want to hear the dialoge. My problem is that Funimation really does all the dubs for animes and all are the same voice actors over and over again. Which is annoying. I wish another anime production group can dubs for japan animes other than Funimation.
If there was another production company other than Funimation, and more variety in voice actors, Id say its 50/50.
But for now, I prefer sub :D

Walrus-Sama Jul 21, 2016 @ 12:52pm

My opinion on this matter:

I think that the vast majority of the time the original (Sub) is generaly the best and any Dub no matter what they speak will be worse. And I don't believe this a English vs Japanese or just an anime related issue ethier. If you take something originaly English and make a Japanese Dub, the English version is the one I'd go with because Dubs seem to always be worse and awkward, which I think is due to just things getting lost in translation.

Take Overwatch for example. The English version is fairly good and the voices match the characters background/lore. Were in the Japanese version makes them all sound like generic Anime characters. Some still work in the 'Dub' (Torbjorn or Genji for example) but characters like Tracer who is ment to have an overly cochny accent and a certain personality is completely lost with the Japanese voice and does not fit at all.

There's also the issue that different VA's can make characters come off differently. Mere small differences in tone and the way they speak can change a characters personality, which is obviously not good. Japanese Dio Brando and English Dio Brando are not the same character, which is bad when they are ment to be the same character.

And the issue with watching Dub because reading subtitles is hard has never really been a problem for me, and this is from someone who is Dyslexic and has very poor English skills even if its my native language.

TL;DR: Buyin' Large: Sub > Dub. Language is irelevent.

Quinn the Padoru Jul 22, 2016 @ 6:55pm

Originally posted by бессердечный:
Originally posted by Bytrixtan:
Btw, I looked at the coding for this last post of mine, and I have no idea how to fix this quotation problem. It all looks fine. My apologies.
Sub is good, and the reason why is because they made the voice acting over in Japan and honsetly, the original of an anime has always the most genuine voice acting, there is emotion and sincerity behind a voice. Although, its not 100% perfect, like Dragonballz for example, go watch Sub vs Dub Goku, Im pretty sure no one watched the sub. xD
Dub is an alternative for people who dont want read subtitles or dont speak japanese and simply want to hear the dialoge. My problem is that Funimation really does all the dubs for animes and all are the same voice actors over and over again. Which is annoying. I wish another anime production group can dubs for japan animes other than Funimation.
If there was another production company other than Funimation, and more variety in voice actors, Id say its 50/50.
But for now, I prefer sub :D

Well, I would disagree that the Japanese has more emotion and sincereity. It's all acting, and English performances can be very moving as well.

As for Funimation, there's not much they can do about that. The fact is that they keep reusing actors being it is a lot like a stage play's acting troupe - people don't come and go for them to get ne people as anime is as reputable for one's career as like movies or TV. They use the actors because they come and they talent, that's about it. I'm sure they'd have more variety if anime was a more mainstream thing in America or the English-seaking audience.

Funimation also is not the only dubbing company. Death Note, for example, was dubbed in Canada, I think, by VIZ media. There was a more adult-humor I have called something-Daikon Brothers dubbed by a different company. I'm sure there are smaller companies here and there too. Funimation is jst out there more because they were lucky in getting more mainstream anime liscensed under them, more funding and merchandise, etc.

Originally posted by Walrus-Sama:
My opinion on this matter:

I think that the vast majority of the time the original (Sub) is generaly the best and any Dub no matter what they speak will be worse. And I don't believe this a English vs Japanese or just an anime related issue ethier. If you take something originaly English and make a Japanese Dub, the English version is the one I'd go with because Dubs seem to always be worse and awkward, which I think is due to just things getting lost in translation.

Take Overwatch for example. The English version is fairly good and the voices match the characters background/lore. Were in the Japanese version makes them all sound like generic Anime characters. Some still work in the 'Dub' (Torbjorn or Genji for example) but characters like Tracer who is ment to have an overly cochny accent and a certain personality is completely lost with the Japanese voice and does not fit at all.

There's also the issue that different VA's can make characters come off differently. Mere small differences in tone and the way they speak can change a characters personality, which is obviously not good. Japanese Dio Brando and English Dio Brando are not the same character, which is bad when they are ment to be the same character.

And the issue with watching Dub because reading subtitles is hard has never really been a problem for me, and this is from someone who is Dyslexic and has very poor English skills even if its my native language.

TL;DR: Buyin' Large: Sub > Dub. Language is irelevent.

I... understand your argument, I suppose? I would still say it is a matter of dub acting skill on a case-by-case basis instead of all-dub-is-worse-no-matter-what... I actually find this to be a rather closed-minded viewpoint. I could point you in the direction so Cowboy Bebop, Death Note, Level E, and some others if you want to see some good dub. It... DOES exist.

I just think you haven't seen the potential in some places, but I guess that could just be me.

KOS-MOS

Nov 19, 2016 @ 1:03pm

other animes with great Eng Dubs are =

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
Trigun
Outlaw Star
Samurai Champloo
Morihibito : Guardian of the Spirit
Solty Rei
Dragon Ball Z
FLCL
Blood +
Bleach
Naruto
Cowboy Bebop
Inuyasha
YuYu Hakusho
One Piece
Hellsing Ultimate
Death Note

HAGE Jan 7, 2017 @ 2:55pm

I'll also add Steins;Gate to that list

Originally posted by KOS-MOS:
other animes with great Eng Dubs are =

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
Trigun
Outlaw Star
Samurai Champloo
Morihibito : Guardian of the Spirit
Solty Rei
Dragon Ball Z
FLCL
Blood +
Bleach
Naruto
Cowboy Bebop
Inuyasha
YuYu Hakusho
One Piece
Hellsing Ultimate
Death Note

#10

CoolRonZ Jan 21, 2017 @ 4:08pm

dub, coz if i look away for a few seconds i miss a part... plus im lazy to read... but i wish at least the dubs would actually have japanese accents, not like regular westerners(US or Canada, we sound the same to me)...

#11

Quinn the Padoru Jan 21, 2017 @ 4:43pm

Originally posted by coolRONz:
dub, coz if i look away for a few seconds i miss a part... plus im lazy to read... but i wish at least the dubs would actually have japanese accents, not like regular westerners(US or Canada, we sound the same to me)... :ah3heart:

Wouldn't it sound weird to be in english with japanese accent though? A good amount of anime doesn't even take place in Japan.

#12

Hakuso Feb 23, 2017 @ 2:18am

I don't mind dubs, if they're good, but it seems like a lot of anime kinda slacks on the English voice acting.

If I can understand the emotion behind a scene in a language I don't speak better than in one I am fluent in there's something wrong.

Then there's the translation failures where some dubs like to say something completely different from what was actually said.

That works with Ghost Stories, it makes for a hilarious watch there, but not so much when it isn't a completely over the top joke of a translation.

#13

Eriane Mar 15, 2017 @ 6:02am

If only dubs had good voice acting most of the time, this topic wouldn't be up for debate as much as it has been. I started watching anime with dubs but then got into subs, now I prefer watching them RAW and while I can't understand it 100% of the time, it forces me to practice my Japanese which I don't always get the chance to do so. The speed reading with subs was fine, I didn't have issues with it because I would forget that I was even reading and dubs often ruined anime for me, also they tend to censor the dubs a lot (I don't know if they do this for bluray editions). Think of the dragon ball series, it was heavily edited in the US version and supposedly even worse with the german one. But let's admit, the US theme song for DBZ was incredible just like the pokemon theme song. ;)

Oh and seinen I need to watch with subs because the subject is too complex sometimes for me to understand all their lingo in RAW form. Ghost in the shell and Monster are two anime that is beyond my comprehension lmao Too fast and too much technical talk.

#14

Quinn the Padoru Mar 15, 2017 @ 9:22am

I must say, I'm usually taken aback when people say they mostly hear bad dubs... what series did you try to watch? Early 90s censored anime like Sailor Moon, Pokemon, or YuGiOh? It's like the Danganronpa dub - people tend to not like it, and I simply don't understand why it's bad. :/ Like... I get people have bad experiences... just asking what in particular makes them bad.

#15

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Date Posted: Jul 6, 2016 @ 1:49pm

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